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20 March 2010

When Bob Marley wrote this song in 1979, he was already in a lot of pain from the cancer he suffered. It's spiritual theme was problably the result of his struggle with illness. This song is a chant to freedom , freedom from all kinds of slavery , specially the most important one : that of the spirit.

18 March 2010

"Hello, Goodbye" is a song written by Paul MacCartney, although the songwriting credit is Lennon/McCartney. It was first recorded by the English rock band The Beatles. The song was released as a single in November 1967, and topped the charts in both the United States and Britain,where it spent seven weeks at number one.

With the release of the song, McCartney gave an explanation of its meaning in an interview: "The answer to everything is simple. It's a song about everything and nothing. If you have black you have to have white. That's the amazing thing about life."

If you want to do some listening practice with "Hello, Goodbye", watch the video and then do the exercises. (This activity belongs to Ana Carmen, form Oviedo EOI)

16 March 2010

In the history of cinema, many novels have been turned into films with really different outcomes. How much do you know about novels and movies?If you are interested in either of them or both, you can visit our EOI Library and see the exhibition dedicated to cinema and literature. Also, you can take part in our on-line contest about this topic and show us how much of a movie buff you are.

Do not forget to sent the form with your answers, you name and e-mail address before the 16th of April if you want to win one of the prizes.Click here for more details on this contest.

After doing all the past tense exercises in the previous post, and the ones in your workbook (File 5), you can start reading 'The Black Pearls', our compulsory book.Read chapters 1-4 and do the exercises here.

When you finish reading 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' , our compulsory reading, you should write a review and send it to me for correction.You can read the book on-line if you like, you just have to click here.You will find more interesting reading material at English Story Reading Room. All the books there are available for free.

When you are ready to start writing your review ( 150-200 words), remember that it should be organized somewhat like this:

Introduction, which gives facts and background information concerning the book and its author.

Main body, usually made up of three parts. The first giving a concise outline of the plot, the second mentioning the main characters and their role in the story and thirdly any relevant themes the book touches upon while it unravels.

Conclusion, which should include any general comments and opinion as well as a positive or negative recommendation supported by reasons.

The style of the presentation very much depends on your audience, therefore it can either be formal or semi-formal. Present tenses are normally used as well as a variety of adjectives to make the speech more interesting.

Useful language: Recommendations

· It’s well worth reading

· It will change the way you think of….

· I wouldn’t recommend it because….

· It’s bound to be on the best sellers list

· I highly/strongly recommend it

· It’s a highly entertaining read

· It’s a bore to read

· It’s certainly at the top of my list of favourites

· Fans of this author will no doubt be thrilled with this latest edition

· It’s a must!

· Don’t bother with this one

· I definitely recommend that you add this to your collection!

Choose the vocabulary according to your level using adjectives and expressions like the ones below:

Your can read the whole post giving advice about book reviews at our Library Blog, About Reading. Thanks to Mª José and Alison for their excellent tips.

If you feel like giving voice to your writings or to the texts you are reading, you can use this tool. It does not sound very natural, but it is not bad either. You can give it a try and see if you like it.